An Interview on Atheist Morality

Dear Dr. Loftus, 

I am a secondary school student currently researching the historical change in morality and its link to the rise in secularism for a literature project. I recently read your essay about atheist morality and found it very helpful for understanding secular ethical perspectives from a young Christians view. Thank you!

I was wondering if you might be willing to answer a few questions about your argument.

1. In your essay, you argue that morality can develop naturally through human evolution and social cooperation. Do you believe this completely rules out the possibility that morality could have a divine origin? Possibilities do not count! I have fully accounted for morality.  

1. You mention that more secular societies often show strong well-being. In your opinion, what are the strongest studies or data that support this claim? The ones by Phil Zuckerman that I referred to. 

1. Some religious thinkers argue that natural moral instincts could still be part of a divine design. How would you respond to that argument? If morality can be fully accounted for within the natual world, we have no reason to think it has a divine design. 

 

1. Do you think debates about secular morality versus religious morality are becoming more important to modern society?  I don't know, but maybe, since there is a chance we might self-destruct.   

1. Do you think the decline of religion in many societies has changed how people form moral values, even if morality itself does not require religion? Sure, morality must now be a morality for both humans and animals. No more trying to appease priests, Rabbis, and Bishops who wish to have power, money, and sex.  

1. In your view, did religion historically provide a shared moral framework for societies, or were moral values always more diverse than we assume? Religion and morality were most likely the same thing. Morals depended on the wishes of the people in charge, which could be diverse, but not so diverse it wasn't good for a given society if that society was to survive. Good moralities produced tribes that would survive. Those that weren't, didn't survive.  

1. What do you think are the strongest misunderstandings people have about secular morality? That it is indeed a morality that is sound and beneficial for humankind and eco-friendly. 

Kind regards,

Thanks for asking! [Published from my phone].